Council approves conditional use permit for Youth Development Center to relocate downtown; applicant to fund ADA adaptations

The Winchester City Council on May 27 approved a conditional use permit for Youth Development Center, Inc., to operate programming at 302 South Loudoun Street in the B‑1 Central Business District with the historic Winchester overlay. Council discussion and staff presentations emphasized that the CUP applies only to the main building where programming will occur, and that accessory structures on the site are not part of the permit.

Alfredo Gutierrez, planning staff, told council the relocation from the YDC’s current South Side industrial site to a downtown location “makes a whole lot of sense” from a planning and zoning perspective and should have minimal negative impacts on the character of the district. Gutierrez said staff prepared suggested conditions of approval and would answer questions.

The applicant confirmed the group will fundraise to cover ADA work including an elevator. “At the moment, we don't have funding for that, so we will be fundraising, to include adaptations to the building,” the applicant said. Staff clarified that final occupancy and use depend on completion of required modifications and standard building‑permit inspections.

Councilors asked about possible adult programming; the applicant said plans to include an adult program have been set aside. Council also discussed that any expansion, change of ownership, or enlargement of the facility would require modification or a new CUP under the conditions recommended by staff. After discussion, council approved the CUP by roll call.

Ending The CUP approval allows the Youth Development Center to proceed to detailed building permit and ADA design steps. The applicant and staff will coordinate further on funding and permit submittals.